Hunting with heroes

Published: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 06:02 PM.

VERNON — Jeep Sullivan, founder of Sullivan’s Outdoor Adventures Inc., says he always has admired service men and women — and has found a way to give back to those who have served.

Sullivan recently announced a program that provides hunting and fishing outings to wounded veterans and their families.

“It’s an amazing honor to have these veterans in my boat, deer stand or duck blind,” Sullivan said. “This gives these guys a chance to really relax and smile, and it’s become something better than I could ever imagine. It’s been a blessing.”

Several veterans enjoyed one such outing Saturday during a turkey hunt on
Panama City
attorney Clayton Syfrett’s
Vernon
plantation.

Wounded veteran “Bobby” says the experience was second to none.

Bobby, who did not want his full name used because of the nature of his military assignment, lost his right leg and most of his right arm in 2012 after driving over an improvised explosive device (IED) in
Afghanistan
while on combat patrol. However, the soldier remains an active duty member of a special unit at an area base and always is looking for new ways to stay motivated and new creative outlets.

“I heard about this program while listening to a motivational speech,” he said. “I would highly encourage other wounded warriors to line up with these guys as much as possible. It’s been a great experience, and they’re a great group of people.”

VERNON — Jeep Sullivan, founder of Sullivan’s Outdoor Adventures Inc., says he always has admired service men and women — and has found a way to give back to those who have served.

Sullivan recently announced a program that provides hunting and fishing outings to wounded veterans and their families.

“It’s an amazing honor to have these veterans in my boat, deer stand or duck blind,” Sullivan said. “This gives these guys a chance to really relax and smile, and it’s become something better than I could ever imagine. It’s been a blessing.”

Several veterans enjoyed one such outing Saturday during a turkey hunt on Panama City attorney Clayton Syfrett’s Vernon plantation.

Wounded veteran “Bobby” says the experience was second to none.

Bobby, who did not want his full name used because of the nature of his military assignment, lost his right leg and most of his right arm in 2012 after driving over an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan while on combat patrol. However, the soldier remains an active duty member of a special unit at an area base and always is looking for new ways to stay motivated and new creative outlets.

“I heard about this program while listening to a motivational speech,” he said. “I would highly encourage other wounded warriors to line up with these guys as much as possible. It’s been a great experience, and they’re a great group of people.”

On hand for the event was Lt. Gen. William Etter, commander of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region — 1st Air Force.

“This is a great program,” Etter said. “It gives the men a different setting and an opportunity to see strong support of their sacrifice. They may be veterans, but they will continue to serve every day of their lives.”

Meanwhile, Sullivan says his reward is seeing the positive impact the program has made in the lives of soldiers.

“I’ve seen the faces of the new guys just wanting to connect,” Sullivan said. “I just want to continue connecting and being there for them to show that civilians care enough about our veterans to do something for them.”

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